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See The Croods: A New Age in theaters!

mv5bnge1njmzmjatndjini00yje1lwjmn2qtogzmmmjhnmq3otbixkeyxkfqcgdeqxvymdm2ndm2mq-_v1_uy268_cr00182268_al_Commentary: I think we all have a little Crood in us which makes this stone age family entertaining to watch. Regardless of what stage you are in, the family dynamic is universally understood. Whether it is teen angst, fatherly protectiveness, or the mother daughter bond; we can all relate in some way. At the same time we also have issues, our manners may not be upper crust, and we may grunt our way through conversations. But in the end we are there for each other, and the family bond is stronger than any of our differences. (continued below)

THE CROODS ARE BACK… IN AN ADVENTURE FOR THE STONE AGES! DREAMWORKS ANIMATION PRESENTS THE HOLIDAY EVENT FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! NICOLAS CAGE, EMMA STONE, RYAN REYNOLDS, PETER DINKLAGE, LESLIE MANN AND KELLY MARIE TRAN IN THE CROODS: A NEW AGE. IN THEATERS, REAL D 3-D AND DOLBY CINEMA THIS THANKSGIVING. RATED PG.

For a chance to WIN A Family Four pack from Fandango to see THE CROODS: A NEW AGE in theaters simply email giveaway@mungleshow.com with “CROOD ME!” in the subject line. No cost or obligation and standard contest rules apply. Must be 18+ to enter

(continued) In the latest adventure Guy (Ryan Reynolds) is still dreaming of tomorrow and how he and Eep (Emma Stone) can spend their future days. Grug (Nicolas Cage) is still not too keen on his daughter running off with some “boy” so he searches for a way to keep them together and in doing so he finds a hidden paradise. Little does he know but it is already inhabited by the Phil (Peter Dinklage) and Hope (Leslie Mann) Betterman along with their daughter Dawn (Kelly Marie Tran). Of course the Betterman’s are “those” people. They seem to have it all together. Their beds are softer, their food is sweeter, and of course they have all the latest high tech gadgets.

There is a plot twist with this family that sets the story off in a direction that could pull Guy and Eep apart. It also allows for much thought on relationships, parenting, and overcoming our differences to solve bigger problems. Though the rugged humor is still there it also pulls at the empowerment strings as well. Eep and Dawn have an instant bound and are intrigued by the other’s lifestyle. The “Thunder Sisters” as they call themselves are ready to take on any challenge the jungle has to offer. They are put to the ultimate test when the other family members get in to a tight situation.

Animation is not my favorite form of storytelling. I know, I know… I hear it all the time. I will say that the graphics and use of color make everything pop. The Bettermans have created this vibrant world that makes the Croods’ previous landscape look like Kansas. No offense to Kansas but just using the whole Wizard of Oz example. The animators truly create an onscreen paradise. The voice cast too is a strong element to the film. Both Cage and Reynolds have this instantly recognizable speech pattern. This helps us bond with the cartoon characters quickly. Is cartoon ok? I hope it isn’t an offensive term. I am a longtime fan of Peter Dinklage and was excited to hear his voice in this one. I was trying to remember if he has even voiced an animated character. He is a fantastic actor with a broad range of  style and genre. Having him voice Phil was a step in the right direction for me.

Actually THE CROODS: A NEW AGE is a step in the right direction for the franchise as well. This one was fun for the most part. I am concerned at the audience it is meant for. I watched it with the family and we all laughed at the dad jokes and were thrilled with the last adventure. The younger family members seemed to tune out far earlier than expected. The film isn’t long but the teen age romance and new neighbors were a tad boring for the kids. Though safe for all ages I think the late tweens and early teens will latch on more for sure.

Thanksgiving is a good window to release this one. It is a sad reminder of how important the movie outing is for family, holiday fun. We have lost a lot of that this year, but if you follow the rules and be safe this might be a good one to venture out for.

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